Elongated Heating Elements for an Aerosol Generation Device

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure concerns a heater ( 10 ) for an aerosol generation device, which is intended to connect with a consumable article ( 20 ) of e-liquid. The heater comprises a plurality of elongated heating elements ( 12 ) configured to engage with corresponding grooves ( 22 ) arranged on a surface of a shell ( 21 ) of the consumable article at a time of connecting. The present disclosure also concerns a consumable article for an aerosol generation device, which is intended to connect with the heater. The consumable article is configured to contain an e-liquid and has a shell comprising grooves arranged on the surface of the configured to engage with corresponding elongated heating elements arranged on the heater at a time of connecting. The disclosure also concerns a system ( 30 ) comprising the heater and the consumable article.

The present disclosure relates generally to heat distribution in aerosolor vapor generation systems and devices, in particular to a heater foraerosol or vapor generation devices with removable consumable articlessuch as capsules or other liquid-containing devices for removableconnection to an aerosol or vapor generating device, to precise heatdistribution in the removable consumable article and to clamping of theremovable consumable article at the time of inserting the removableconsumable article on the aerosol or vapor generation system.

BACKGROUND

The use of aerosol generating systems, also known as e-cigarettes,e-cigs (EC), electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronicnon-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), electronic smoking devices(ESDs), personal vaporizers (PV), inhalation devices, vapes, which canbe used as an alternative to conventional smoking articles such aslit-end cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, is becoming increasingly popularand widespread. The most commonly used e-cigarettes are usually batterypowered and use a resistance heating element to heat and atomize aliquid containing nicotine and/or flavorants (also known as e-cigaretteliquid, e-cig liquids, e-liquid, juice, vapor juice, smoke juice,e-juice, e-fluid, vape oil), to produce a nicotine-containingcondensation aerosol (often called vapor) which can be inhaled by auser. The aerosol can be inhaled through a mouthpiece, which, in thecase of aerosols formed from e-liquids which contain nicotine and/orflavorants.

In the conventional e-cigarettes described above, the liquid is put intocontact with a resistance heating element after flowing through smallchannels, where it is heated and vaporized. The flowing is realized forexample via a wick, a mesh or another type of porous element, which hasa plurality of small channels that transport the liquid from a reservoirto the heating element. This heating element together with the porouselement, a reservoir that contains the e-liquid, and a mouthpiece areusually arranged within a disposable capsule, cartridge or pod, that isdiscarded or refilled once the e-liquid has been consumed by the user,and usually removably connects to a main body that includes arechargeable battery.

Enabling a precise distribution of heat inside the consumable article inorder to bring heat to specific parts thereof, for example parts thatcarry a wicking element to be soaked with e-liquid allows to selectivelyvaporize substance to be delivered through the air channels. It alsoimproves heating efficiency, e-liquid vaporization and reduces energyconsumption at the time of heating.

Moreover, aerosol generation devices such as electronic cigarette are ina constant need for miniaturization, portability and constructionoptimization to provide devices that are the most convenient to carrywithout being less effective or less safe. A problem that arises withaerosol generation devices comprising a removable consumable article isto improve the hold of the removable consumable article in place on thedevice without increasing the manufacturing effort and complexifying thestructure of the device so that the consumable article remains fixed onthe device during for example manipulation, use or transport of thedevice.

EP Patent publication No. 3 456 213 A1, this reference herewithincorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a heater elementincluding a plurality of pins/needles fixed at the base of the heaterelement fixedly coupled with the power side of an electronic cigarette,the pins extending through corresponding perforations of a heatingchamber holding the tobacco substrate for vaporization by the pins.

EP Patent publication No. 2 519 122 B1, this reference herewithincorporated by reference in its entirety, shows a heater for heating anaerosol-forming substrate comprising a plurality of elongate heatingelements arranged in an elongated array arranged to heat the substrateto form an aerosol.

The systems described in these publications may not effectivelydistribute heat in a precise manner to specific parts of the consumablearticle.

SUMMARY

It is one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a heater for anaerosol generation device, and a system comprising the heater and theconsumable article that overcomes the above challenges.

Preferably, the heater for an aerosol generation device, which isintended to connect with a consumable article of e-liquid, comprises, aframe, a plurality of elongated heating elements extending substantiallyperpendicularly to a horizontal plane in which lies the frame, whereinthe elongated heating elements are configured to engage withcorresponding grooves arranged on a surface of a shell of the consumablearticle at a time of connecting.

In embodiments of the present invention, the elongated heating elementsare configured to slide into the corresponding grooves and hold theconsumable article.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the elongated heating elementsare further configured to hold the consumable article by form-fit.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a number of elongated heatingelements is smaller or equal to a number of grooves.

In embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the elongatedheating elements comprises a heating material, the heating materialcomprising a first zone at a first extremity of the at least one of theelongated heating elements and of a second zone at a second extremity ofthe at least one of the elongated heating elements.

In embodiments of the present invention, the first zone is differentfrom the second zone in that it enables to reach a first temperaturedifferent from a second temperature that is reached in the second zone.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the elongatedheating elements is further configured to deliver a heat gradientcomprising a first temperature at the first extremity of the at leastone of the elongated heating elements and a second temperature at thesecond extremity of the at least one heating element.

In embodiments of the present invention, the heat gradient is configuredto selectively vaporize substances from the e-liquid when the heatercomes in contact with it.

In embodiments of the present invention, the heat gradient is configuredto generate at least one heating site located on the at least one of theelongated heating elements to heat a specific location in the consumablearticle.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one of theelongated heating elements comprises a heating part comprising theheating material and a diffusing part comprising a diffusing materialconfigured to transfer the heat produced by the heating material anddiffuse the heat by conduction hence generating a heat gradient.

In embodiments of the present invention, the at least one of theelongated heating elements comprises at least one patterned zoneconfigured to have a higher electrical current density.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the patterned zone comprisesat least one serpentine and/or at least one pattern of holes and/or atleast one pattern of slots.

In embodiments of the present invention, the frame comprises the heatingmaterial and at least one of the elongated heating elements comprisesthe diffusing material configured to transfer the heat produced by theheating material.

In embodiments of the present invention, the heater is configured togenerate at least one heating site located on the at least one of theelongated heating elements (12) to heat a specific location in theconsumable article (20).

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one heating siteis further configured to heat a wicking element arranged in theconsumable article.

In embodiments of the present invention, the at least one heating siteis further configured to heat a specific part of the wicking element.

In embodiments of the present invention, the at least one heating siteis located adjacent to an air channel arranged on the consumablearticle.

In embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature T1 isdifferent from the second temperature T2.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to providing aconsumable article for an aerosol generation device that overcomes theabove challenges.

Preferably, the consumable article for an aerosol generation device,which is intended to connect with the heater according to the presentdisclosure, is configured to contain an e-liquid and has a shellcomprising grooves arranged on the surface of the shell, wherein thegrooves are configured to engage with corresponding elongated heatingelements arranged on the heater, at a time of connecting.

In embodiments, the grooves are configured to receive elongated heatingelements from the heater.

In embodiments, the consumable article is further configured to be heldby the elongated heating elements by form-fit.

In embodiments a number of grooves is equal or bigger to a number ofelongated heating elements.

In embodiments the consumable article further comprises at least awicking element configured to be in contact with the elongated heatingelements when these are engaged and thereby present e-liquid to beheated and transformed into aerosol.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a system for anaerosol generation device comprising the heater and the consumablearticle according to the present disclosure that overcomes the abovechallenges.

Preferably, the system for an aerosol generation device comprises theheater according to the present invention comprising a plurality ofelongated heating elements. The system further comprises the consumablearticle according the invention having a shell comprising groovesarranged on the surface of the shell, wherein the elongated heatingelements are engaged in the grooves to secure the heater to theconsumable article.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention and the manner of realizing them will become more apparent,and the invention itself will best be understood from a study of thefollowing description with reference to the attached drawings showingsome preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description given below, serve to explainfeatures of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a two-part schematic view of a heater for an aerosolgeneration device comprising elongated heating elements;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top-view of a heater for an aerosol generationdevice comprising elongated heating elements;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a heating element;

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of a consumable article for an aerosolgeneration device comprising grooves arranged on a surface of aconsumable article shell;

FIG. 5 shows a top schematic view of a consumable article for an aerosolgeneration device comprising grooves arranged on a surface of aconsumable article shell;

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a consumable article for an aerosolgeneration device surrounded by a plurality of elongated heatingelements, according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the consumable article depicted in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 depicts a single elongated heating element indicating oppositezones that may heat at different temperatures, according to an exampleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 depict a heater element with a plurality of elongated heatingelements, as used in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of an unconnected systemcomprising a heater comprising elongated heating elements and aconsumable article comprising grooves arranged on a surface of aconsumable article shell;

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic representation of a connected systemcomprising a heater comprising elongated heating elements and aconsumable article comprising grooves arranged on a surface of aconsumable article shell;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top-view of a connected system comprising aconsumable article comprising grooves arranged on a surface of aconsumable article shell and a heater (visible in transparency below theconsumable article) comprising elongated heating elements;

FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the consumable article andheater from FIG. 12 , further comprising a wicking element according toan example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a simplified view of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of the consumable article andheater from FIG. 12 , further comprising a wicking element according toan example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 shows a simplified view of FIG. 15 ; and

FIGS. 17 to 20 show a plurality of examples in which the elongatedheating elements and/or the consumable article are configured toreleasably hold and maintain the consumable article on the heatingelement.

Herein, identical reference numerals are used, where possible, todesignate identical elements that are common to the figures. Also, theimages are simplified for illustration purposes and may not be depictedto scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

It is a first object of the invention to provide a heater 10 for anaerosol generation device according to FIGS. 1 to 3 , which is intendedto connect, in use, with at least a battery part of the aerosolgeneration device on the one hand and with a consumable article 20 ofvaporizable material according to FIGS. 4 and 5 on the other hand.

The term vaporizable material is used to designate any material that isvaporizable at a temperature up to 400° C., preferably up to 350° C.,for example aerosol generating liquid, gel, wax and the like.

The consumable article 20 may be in the format of any of a capsule, acartridge, a pod or other liquid-containing devices for removableconnection to an aerosol generation device and for intended connectionwith a heater 10 for an aerosol generation device. The consumablearticle 20 may be discarded or refilled once the vaporizable materialhas been consumed by the user.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the heater 10 comprises a frame 11 and aplurality of elongated heating elements 12 extending substantiallyperpendicularly relatively to a horizontal plane in which lies the frame11.

The heater 10 may be an electric heater working on the principle ofJoule heating in which the passage of an electric current, for example,in at least one of the elongated heating elements and/or in the frame 11produces heat.

The frame 11 may be for example a ring, a plate or any suitable elementthat may carry the elongated heating elements 12.

The frame 11 may alternatively be an electric heater configured toproduce heat when an electric current is flowing in the frame 11.

The elongated heating elements 12 may be welded on the frame 11 in a wayto extend substantially perpendicularly relatively to a horizontal planein which lies the frame 11.

Referring now also to FIG. 4 , the elongated heating elements 12 areconfigured to engage with corresponding grooves 22 arranged on a surfaceof a shell 21 of the consumable article 20, at the time of the intendedconnection between the heater 10 and the consumable article 20.

The elongated heating elements 12 are positioned on the frame 11 tocorrespond to the grooves 22 arranged on the surface of the shell 21 ofthe consumable article 20.

The engagement of the elongated heating elements 12 with correspondinggrooves 22 arranged on the surface of the shell 21 of the consumablearticle 20 further enables to hold the consumable article 20 onto theheater 10, for example by a clamping effect implemented through amechanical friction effect applied by the heating elements to the shell21, and/or by a spring effect between the heating elements that then maypossess either protuberating parts that engage in corresponding cavitiesof the sheel. or cavities that engage with corresponding protuberatingparts of the shell.

The elongated heating elements 12 are further configured to slide intothe corresponding grooves 22 of the shell 21 of the consumable article20 to hold the consumable article 20.

Distances between each of the elongated heating elements 12 and a centerof the frame 11, or among each other on a circumference defined by theframe 11, may be smaller than distances between corresponding grooves 22of the consumable article 20 and a center axis A of the consumablearticle 20, or the corresponding grooves among each other on acircumference defined by the outer periphery of the consumable article20, enabling the elongated heating elements 12 to hold the consumablearticle 20 using the clamping effect when the heater 10 engages with theconsumable article 20.

The elongated heating elements 12 may be flexible to engage in thegrooves 22 of the consumable article 20 and exert the clamping effect byspring forces of the elongated heating elements as exerted on theconsumable article 20, enabling to hold the consumable article 20 at thetime of the intended connection between the heater 10 and the consumablearticle 20.

The elongated heating elements 12 may also extend from the frame 11slightly inclined toward the center of the frame 11 in order to exert apressure on the grooves 22 of the consumable article 20 when the heater10 is connected to the consumable article 20 enabling the holding of theconsumable article 20.

The elongated heating elements 12 may also hold the consumable article20 by form-fit.

The number of elongated heating elements 12 may be smaller or equal tothe number of grooves 22 arranged on the shell 21 of the consumablearticle 20.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , at least one of the elongated heating elements12 further comprises a heating material 13.

In another embodiment, the frame 11 further comprise the heatingmaterial 13.

The heating material 13 may comprise metallic material such as kanthal,nickel, nickel-chromium, titanium, nichrome, tungsten, stainless steelor any material having required heating properties working on theprinciple of Joule heating for example, in which the passage of anelectric current produces heat. In one embodiment, at least one of theelongated heating elements 12 comprise the heating material 13 havingthe same density along the at least one of the elongated heatingelements 12 enabling to provide a constant heat along the least one ofthe elongated heating elements 12.

The diffusing material may comprise metallic material which exhibitsappropriate thermal conduction properties.

In another embodiment, the heating material 13 comprises a first zone ofheating material 13 at a first extremity 14 of the at least one of theelongated heating elements 12 and a second zone of heating material 13at a second extremity 15 of the at least one of the elongated heatingelements 12.

Preferably, the first zone of heating material 13 is different from thesecond zone of the heating material in that the first zone enables toreach a first temperature T1 different from a second temperature T2 thatcan be reached in the second zone.

As a consequence, the at least one of the elongated heating elements 12is further configured to deliver a heat gradient comprising the firsttemperature T1 at the first extremity 14 and the second temperature T2at the second extremity 15.

The first temperature T1 may be different from the second temperatureT2. For example, the first temperature T1 may be higher or lower thanthe second temperature T2. Preferentially, the second temperature T2 ishigher than the first temperature T1.

In another embodiment, the heat gradient may be obtained, for example,by creating at least one patterned zone on at least one of the elongatedheating elements 12 configured to have higher electrical currentdensities thus generating locally higher temperature.

The at least one patterned zone may comprise serpentine or anappropriate pattern of holes/slots distributed along the at least onepatterned zone, wherein the distance between two holes/slots is reducedcompared to the remaining part of the elongated heating element 12. Eachzone with reduced distance is subject to higher current density in sucha way that when current flows through the at least one of the elongatedheating elements 12, the temperature is higher these zones. As describedabove, components of the vaporizable e-liquid will be thereforeselectively heated. Lower temperature's components will vaporize firstwhile the vaporizable material propagate through the elongated heatingelements 12.

In another embodiment, at least one of the elongated heating elements 12may comprise two different parts: a heating part comprising the heatingmaterial 13 and a diffusing part comprising a diffusing material. Theheating part enables to generate heat when the electrical current isflowing. The diffusing part enables to transfer the heat produced by theheating part and diffuse the heat by conduction hence generating a heatgradient. The area of the diffusing part which is the most distant fromthe heating part receives less energy (i.e. less heat) than the area ofthe diffusing part which is the closest from the heating part of the atleast one of the elongated heating elements 12. Hence components of thevaporizable e-liquid will be therefore selectively heated. Lowertemperature's components will vaporize first while the vaporizablematerial propagates through the second part of the at least one of theelongated heating elements 12.

The heat gradient may be further modulated by defining a specific shapeor form of the diffusing part of the at least one of the elongatedheating elements 12.

In another embodiment, the frame 11 may comprise the heating material 13and be configured to generate heat. At least one of the elongatedheating elements 12 may comprise the diffusing material and beconfigured to transfer the heat produced by the frame 11 and diffuse theheat by conduction hence generating a heat gradient along the at leastone of the elongated heating elements 12 as the first 14 and second 15extremities of the at least one of the elongated heating elements 12received different amount of energy or heat.

In another embodiment, the density of the heating material 13 of theframe 11 around the elongated heating elements 12 may be different inorder to provide different levels of heat to the different elongatedheating elements 12.

The heat gradient is configured to selectively vaporize substances fromthe e-liquid that comes in contact with the heater 10.

The heat gradient is further configured to generate at least one heatingsite located on the at least one of the heating elements to heat aspecific location in the consumable article 20.

The at least one heating site may be further configured to heat awicking element (not represented) arranged in the consumable article 20.The at least one heating site may also be configured to heat a specificpart of the wicking element.

In a further embodiment, the at least one heating site may be generatedon the at least one of the heating elements in a way to be locatedadjacent to an air channel 24 arranged on the consumable article 20 whenthe heater 10 is connected to the consumable article 20.

In another embodiment, at least one of the elongated heating elements 12may also be used as a transportation means of the e-liquid.

The at least one of the elongated heating elements 12 may furthercomprises a wicking element or a mesh arranged on or in at least one ofthe elongated heating elements 12 configured to transport and deliver acontrolled quantity of the e-liquid from the consumable article 20 orfrom the reservoir to the at least one heating site generated on the atleast one of the elongated heating elements 12 enabling the vaporizationof the e-liquid.

It is a second object of the invention to provide a consumable article20 according to FIGS. 4 and 5 for an aerosol generation device, which isconfigured to contain an e-liquid, and which is intended to connect withthe heater 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The consumable article 20 may comprise anyone of the list comprising acapsule, a cartridge, a pod or other liquid-containing devices forremovable connection to an aerosol generation device.

The consumable article 20 may be discarded or refilled once the e-liquidhas been consumed by the user.

The consumable article 20 may comprise a reservoir (not represented)arranged inside the consumable article 20 and intended to contain thee-liquid.

The consumable article 20 further comprises a shell 21 comprisinggrooves 22 arranged on the surface of the shell 21.

The grooves 22 may comprise recesses arranged on the surface of theshell 21 having dimension and shape enabling to receive the elongatedheating elements 12 arranged on the heater 10.

The grooves 22 may also comprise openings arranged in the shell 21 ofthe consumable article 20 having dimension and shape enabling to receivethe elongated heating elements 12 arranged on the heater 10.

The grooves 22 arranged on the surface of the shell 21 are configured toengage with corresponding elongated heating elements 12 arranged on theheater 10, at the time of intended connection between the consumablearticle 20 and the heater 10.

The grooves 22 are further configured to receive elongated heatingelements 12 from the heater 10.

The grooves 22 are positioned on the shell 21 of the consumable article20 to correspond to the elongated heating elements 12 arranged on theheater 10 in order to enable the intended connection between theconsumable article 20 and the heater 10.

The number of grooves 22 arranged on the surface of the shell 21 of theconsumable article 20 is equal or greater than the number of elongatedheating elements 12 of the heater 10.

The consumable article 20 may comprise at least one airflow channel 23arranged on or in the consumable article 20. The at least one airflowchannel 23 is intended to collect and receive vaporized e-liquid, i.e.,e-liquid which is heated and hence aerosolized by the elongated heatingelements 12, and directs the aerosolized e-liquid toward an intendedmouthpiece to be inhaled by an intended user (mouthpiece and user notrepresented in FIG. 4 ).

The consumable article 20 may also comprise at least one air channel 24arranged on or in the consumable article 20.

The at least one air channel 24 is in connection to the at least oneairflow channel 23. The at least one air channel 24 is furtherconfigured to receive e-liquid which is aerosolized by the elongatedheating elements 12 and to direct the aerosolized e-liquid toward the atleast one airflow channel 23.

The consumable article 20 may further comprise at least one wickingelement such as a porous material piece and/or a mesh (not represented)configured to capture and transfer the e-liquid from the consumablearticle 20, for example from the reservoir of the consumable article 20to the at least one of the elongated heating elements 12, preferably tothe at least one heating site. The wicking element further enables tocontrol the quantity of vaporizable material transferred from theconsumable article 20 to the elongated heating element.

The at least one wicking element may be located on the of the consumablearticle 20, for example on the shell 21 of the consumable article 20, inat least one of the grooves 22 arranged on the consumable article 20.

The at least one wicking element may be further positioned in a way thatat the time of connection between the heater 10 and the consumablearticle 20, at least one of the elongated heating elements 12 ispositioned between the shell 21 of the consumable article 20 and thewicking element.

The at least one wicking element may be also positioned in a way that atthe time of connection between the heater 10 and the consumable article20, at least one of the elongated heating elements 12 is inserted intothe at least one wicking element.

The wicking element which has the function to transfer the e-liquid fromthe consumable article 20 to at least one of the heating elements,preferably to the at least one heating site.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example embodiment in which the consumablearticle 20 comprises the shell 21, which in this example is surroundedby a cylindrically shaped wicking element 60. A heater element 62comprises a plurality of elongated heating elements 61. The consumablearticle 20 is connected to the heater element 62 with the elongatedheating elements 61 at the periphery of the consumable element and inmechanical contact with the cylindrically shaped wicking element 60. Theelongated heating elements 61 may for example hold the consumablearticle 20 by means of mechanical friction with the wicking element 60.The elongated heating elements 61 may be configured to heat e-liquid inthe mesh, for example with a homogenous temperature over the wholesurface of the respective elongated heating elements or with adifferential temperature from T2 at one extremity of each the elongatedheating element 61, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 , to T1 at an oppositeextremity of the elongated heating element 61, with T2 being greaterthan T1. By heating the e-liquid in the mesh, the aerosol is generatedinside the wicking element 60. FIG. 7 contains a top view of theassembly from FIG. 6 , in which 3 elongated heating elements 61 aredistributed around the cylindrical wicking element 60 distant atsubstantially equal angles among each other, i.e., at 120°. In thepresent example, the elongated heating elements 61 avoid penetratinginside and/or piercing the consumable article 20. Hence the elongatedheating elements 61 do not interfere with a consumable article's sealingmechanism and allow for a simpler technical construction.

It is to be noted that the main function of the elongated heatingelements 61 is to transfer heat. As an auxiliary function, the elongatedheating elements 61 may be used to hold and/or maintain the consumablearticle 20.

It is to be noted that the elongated heating elements 61 may be wearparts, and this need to be periodically changed in the heater 62, ortogether with the heater 62.

FIG. 9 shows the heater 62 with the 3 elongated heating elements 61extending perpendicularly away from the horizontal place of the heater62. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated heating elements 61 maycomprise a mechanism configured to open and close the elongated heatingelements 61 away and toward the wicking element.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 to 12 , it is another object of the invention toprovide a system 30 for an aerosol generation device comprising a heater10 according to the present description and comprising a plurality ofelongated heating elements 12 and a consumable article 20 as describedin the present description, having a shell 21 comprising grooves 22arranged on the surface of the shell 21, the elongated heating elements12 being engaged in the grooves 22 to secure the heater 10 to theconsumable article 20.

At the time of inserting the heater 10 in the consumable article 20, theelongated heating elements 12 are received by the corresponding grooves22 arranged on the shell 21 of the consumable article 20. The elongatedheating elements 12 slide into the grove and allow to hold theconsumable article 20 in place, for example by form-fit.

As obvious for a skilled person in the field of aerosol generatingdevices, the heater 10 shall be mounted in electrical connection with apower delivery component of an aerosol generating device such as abattery to allow it to heat e-liquid in the consumable article 20. Suchmounting is not represented in the attached drawings for the sake ofclarity.

As shown in FIG. 12 , when the heater 10 is connected to the consumablearticle 20, the elongated heating elements 12 are positioned next to theat least one air channel 24.

Preferentially, the at least one heating site generated by the heatgradient of the elongated heating elements 12 is located adjacent to theair channel 24 arranged on the consumable article 20 hence allowing theair channel 24 to receive and collect the aerosolized e-liquid anddirect it to an intended mouthpiece and eventually to an intended userfor inhalation (mouthpiece and user not illustrated in FIG. 12 ).

FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the consumable article andheater from FIG. 12 , further comprising a wicking element 130 insidethe shell 21. The wicking element 130 contacts the elongated heatingelements 12, which are respectively engaged between the grooves 22 andthe wicking element 130. The heating element 12 may exert a mechanicalfriction with the wicking element 130 (and optionally with the grooves22) which enables to maintain the consumable article 20.

FIG. 14 is a simplified view of FIG. 13 , in which the proportions ofsizes are not necessarily respected, showing only the wicking element130, represented as a ring in this view, and running at an outside ofthe elongated heating elements 12, outside meaning on the side away fromthe center 140 of the consumable article.

FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of the consumable article andheater from FIG. 12 , further comprising a wicking element 150 insidethe shell 21. The wicking element 150 contacts the elongated heatingelements 12, which are respectively engaged in the grooves 22 andexternally to the wicking element 150. The heating elements 12 may exerta mechanical friction and pressure onto the wicking element 150 at thecircumference of the consumable article, which enables to maintain theconsumable article 20 in place on the heating element (not illustrated).

FIG. 16 is a simplified view of FIG. 15 , in which the proportions ofsizes are not necessarily respected, showing only the wicking element150, represented as a ring in this view, and running at an inside of theelongated heating elements 12, inside meaning on the side showingtowards the center 140 of the consumable article.

FIGS. 17 to 20 show a plurality of examples in which the elongatedheating elements and/or the consumable article are configured toreleasably hold and maintain the consumable article on the heatingelement.

In FIG. 17 , a wall 170 of a groove 22 comprises a protuberating part171. The left-side part of the figure illustrates an elongated heatingelement 172 being slid relative to the wall 170 in direction 173 at atime where the consumable article is positioned on the heating element(both not illustrated in FIG. 17 ). The right-side part of the figureillustrates the elongated heating element 172 having a cavity 174corresponding to the protuberating part 171, engaging with theprotuberating part 171 by spring force exerted from the elongatedheating element 172 once the consumable article is positioned on theheating element.

In FIG. 18 , a wall 180 of a groove 22 comprises a cavity 181. Theleft-side part of the figure illustrates an elongated heating element182 being slid relative to the wall 180 in direction 183 at a time wherethe consumable article is positioned on the heating element (both notillustrated in FIG. 18 ). The right-side part of the figure illustratesthe elongated heating element 182 having a protuberating part 184corresponding to the cavity 181, engaging with the cavity 181 by springforce exerted from the elongated heating element 182 once the consumablearticle is positioned on the heating element.

FIG. 19 is a frontal view of a shell 21 with a groove 22 formed in thewall of the shell 21. An elongated heating element 190 is configured tobe inserted into the groove 22 at a time where the consumable article ispositioned on the heating element (both not illustrated in FIG. 19 ),and form-fit with it. The form-fit designates the interaction betweenthe individual groove 22 and the corresponding elongated heating element190. The geometrical shape of the elongated heating element replicatesthe geometrical shape of the groove with a relative small difference,whereby the width 191 of the groove 22 is large enough to allow toengage the elongated heating element 190 with a width 192, but smallenough to generate a friction to maintain the consumable article inplace.

FIG. 20 is a further frontal view of a shell 21 with a groove 22 formedin the wall of the shell 21. An elongated heating element 200,preferably of flexible nature such as that of a spring, having a cavity201, is configured to be inserted into the groove 22 at a time where theconsumable article is positioned on the heating element (both notillustrated in FIG. 20 ), and form-fit with it. The groove has a shapecomplementary to that of the elongated heating element 200, i.e., itcomprises a protuberating element 202, or locking pin, that engages withthe cavity 201. This type of form-fit may be called bayonet stylelocking.

The details and embodiments described above for an aerosol generationdevice are applicable to an electronic cigarette comprising a heater 10,a consumable article 20 or a system 30 comprising a heater 10 and aconsumable article 20.

While the invention has been disclosed with reference to certainpreferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changesto the described embodiments, and equivalents thereof, are possiblewithout departing from the sphere and scope of the invention.Accordingly, it is that the invention not be limited to the describedembodiments and be given the broadest reasonable interpretation inaccordance with the language of the appended claims.

1. A heater (10) for an aerosol generation device, which is intended toconnect with a consumable article (20) of e-liquid, comprising: a frame(11); a plurality of elongated heating elements (12) extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to a horizontal plane in which lies theframe (11); wherein the elongated heating elements (12) are configuredto engage with corresponding grooves (22) arranged on a surface of ashell (21) of the consumable article (20), at a time of connecting. 2.The heater (10) as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the elongatedheating elements (12) are configured to slide into the correspondinggrooves (22) and hold the consumable article (20).
 3. The heater (10) asdefined in the any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongatedheating elements (12) are further configured to hold the consumablearticle (20) by form-fit.
 4. The heater (10) as defined in any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein a number of elongated heating elements(12) is smaller or equal to a number of grooves (22).
 5. The heater (10)as defined any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of theelongated heating elements (12) comprises a heating material (13), theheating material (13) comprising a first zone at a first extremity (14)of the at least one of the elongated heating elements (12) and a secondzone at a second extremity (15) of the at least one of the elongatedheating elements (12), the first and second zone enabling to reachrespectively a first temperature (T1) and a second temperature (T2)different from each other.
 6. The heater (10) as defined in any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein at least one of the elongated heatingelements (12) comprises a heating part comprising the heating materialand a diffusing part comprising a diffusing material configured totransfer the heat produced by the heating material and diffuse the heatby conduction hence generating a heat gradient.
 7. The heater (10) asdefined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one ofthe elongated heating elements (12) comprises at least one patternedzone configured to have a higher electrical current density.
 8. Theheater (10) as defined in the preceding claim, wherein the patternedzone comprises at least one serpentine and/or at least one pattern ofholes and/or at least one pattern of slots.
 9. The heater (10) asdefined in claim 6, wherein the frame (11) comprises the heatingmaterial and at least one of the elongated heating elements (12)comprises the diffusing material configured to transfer the heatproduced by the heating material.
 10. The heater (10) as defined in anyone of the preceding claims 5 to 9, wherein the heater is configured togenerate at least one heating site located on the at least one of theelongated heating elements (12) to heat a specific location in theconsumable article (20).
 11. The heater (10) as defined in the precedingclaim, wherein the at least one heating site is further configured toheat a wicking element arranged in the consumable article (20).
 12. Aconsumable article (20) for an aerosol generation device, which isintended to connect with a heater (10) according to claims 1 to 11, theconsumable article (20) being configured to contain an e-liquid andhaving a shell (21) comprising grooves (22) arranged on the surface ofthe shell (21); wherein the grooves (22) are configured to engage withcorresponding elongated heating elements (12) arranged on the heater(10), at a time of connecting.
 13. The consumable article (20) accordingto claim 12, wherein the grooves (22) are configured to receiveelongated heating elements (12) from the heater (10).
 14. The consumablearticle (20) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, furthercomprising at least a wicking element configured to be in contact withthe elongated heating elements when these are engaged and therebypresent e-liquid to be heated and transformed into aerosol.
 15. A system(30) for an aerosol generation device comprising a heater (10) accordingto claim 1 comprising a plurality of elongated heating elements (12); aconsumable article (20) according to claim 12 having a shell (21)comprising grooves (22) arranged on the surface of the shell (21);wherein the elongated heating elements (12) are engaged in the grooves(22) to secure the heater (10) to the consumable article (20).